Answers

By   •   April 4, 2017   •   Topics:

Q:

I know I ought to read the Bible, and I've tried, but I've always been a poor reader, and finally I just gave up. Does God think I'm a bad person?


A:

God knows both what you can do and what you can’t do—and He doesn’t get angry with you or look down on you because of this. We aren’t all the same; God created us with different abilities. The Bible says, “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us” (Romans 12:6).

Don’t misunderstand me, however. The Bible is God’s Word, and if we ignore it, our lives will be morally and spiritually impoverished. Just as we need food and water to grow and be physically healthy, so we need the “food” and “water” of God’s Word to grow and be spiritually healthy. Job said, “I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread” (Job 23:12). Make it your goal, therefore, to build your life every day on the Bible’s truth. Remember: through God’s written word, the Bible, we come to know God’s living Word, Jesus Christ.

How can you make the Bible part of your life? First, even if you aren’t a reader, I suggest you read at least a few sentences from the Bible every day. (You might begin in Psalms or Proverbs, or one of the Gospels.) In addition, listen carefully to your pastor and other gifted teachers in your church as they speak from the Bible. Christian radio and daily devotional books may also be helpful.

Make certain of your personal commitment to Jesus Christ. Then ask God daily to help you build your life on His Word, the Bible. Jesus said, “I have given them your word. … Your word is truth” (John 17:14, 17).